The Pros & Cons Of Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a classic and timeless stone, often favored for historic homes. Its rich hue and delicate veining, combined with its durability and low maintenance, make it a favorite among both homeowners and designers. While soapstone countertops have many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. If you’re thinking about installing soapstone counters in your kitchen or bathroom, I’ve outlined everything you should know about soapstone: including its care, maintenance, advantages, disadvantages, and overall durability.

Designers: W Design Collective, Marianne Brown, Maddie Kiene, Madeline Beck | Stylists: Annie Desantis, Sara Ronna | Photographer: Malissa Mabey | Builder: The Biltmore Company | Architect: Hebdon Studio

Soapstone Countertop Specs

100% NATURAL: Soapstone is a natural stone and each slab is unique.

HEAT RESISTANCE: Soapstone is heat resistant. You can place hot pans directly from the stove onto the countertop.

SEALING: Sealing is not required for soapstone. Soapstone can be left in its natural state or you can choose to darken and enhance the color by applying mineral oil, wax, or ager. Should you choose to apply oil or wax, plan to re-apply every few months or as needed.

COLOR ENHANCERS: As mentioned above, you can darken the color of your soapstone with the application of mineral oil, wax, or a chemical ager. Consider the following:

• Food grade mineral oil is food safe and easy to apply. However it leaves an oily residue and it needs to be reapplied frequently. Initially you may need to reapply it on a weekly basis, but over time, this frequency can be reduced to monthly or quarterly.
• Wax is natural, food safe, easy to apply, and requires less frequent re-applications. Some homeowners find that re-application is only needed once a year.
• Ager is easy to apply, does not leave a greasy residue, and only needs to be reapplied every 5 years or so. However it is not a natural product.

SCRATCHES: Soapstone is durable, but it is a softer stone and therefore it scratches somewhat easily. Fortunately, most scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil or wax. For deeper scratches, a light sanding and a quick wipe with mineral oil or wax can repair it. (NOTE: this method is not recommended if you have not previously oiled or waxed the soapstone as it will leave a dark spot.)

STAINS: A big advantage of soapstone is that it is non-porous and stain resistant. It does not absorb food or liquid and it is not affected by acidic liquids. However, if you choose to leave your soapstone un-oiled and in its natural state, oily substances (such as oil splatters and greasy fingerprints) will leave dark spots. This is one of the main reasons homeowners choose to wax or oil their soapstone as it minimizes the visibility of scratches and oily spots. Regardless, if you leave your soapstone un-oiled, Marianne Brown of W Design Collective says you can easily lift oily spots with Bon Ami.

WEAR: Soapstone does wear unevenly. Areas of the kitchen that are used more frequently will darken and show wear faster than areas used less.

BACTERIA RESISTANCE: Because soapstone is non-porous, it is naturally bacteria resistant.

CLEANING: Any household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone. However regular soap and water is often recommended as harsh chemicals can remove the mineral oil and wax, ultimately creating more maintenance.

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